The goal of the Hall of Fame is to "honor people and organizations that have ’stood up to stereotypes’ and embraced gay and lesbian athletes," said Bill Gubrud, executive director and board chairman, according to the Chicago Tribune. "We’re not just going to honor gay athletes, but other athletes who helped those gay athletes along and provided a safe haven."

Some are calling Jason Collins a role model for this up-and-coming generation of gay and lesbian athletes. But in some ways, young out athletes and their supporters have helped pave the way for pros like Collins.